Publisher's Summary

Mindy Kaling has lived many lives: the obedient child of immigrant professionals, a timid chubster afraid of her own bike, a Ben Affleck–impersonating Off-Broadway performer and playwright, and, finally, a comedy writer and actress prone to starting fights with her friends and coworkers with the sentence “Can I just say one last thing about this, and then I swear I’ll shut up about it?”

Perhaps you want to know what Mindy thinks makes a great best friend (someone who will fill your prescription in the middle of the night), or what makes a great guy (one who is aware of all elderly people in any room at any time and acts accordingly), or what is the perfect amount of fame (so famous you can never get convicted of murder in a court of law), or how to maintain a trim figure (you will not find that information in these pages). If so, you’ve come to the right book, mostly!

In Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?, Mindy invites readers on a tour of her life and her unscientific observations on romance, friendship, and Hollywood, with several conveniently placed stopping points for you to run errands and make phone calls. Mindy Kaling really is just a Girl Next Door—not so much literally anywhere in the continental United States, but definitely if you live in India or Sri Lanka.

I gave 5 stars for performance and 3 for story. Mindy is very funny, and I like her style, so I liked the book. Like Tina Fey in Bossypants, Mindy writes about things that all women can relate to, and that most women agree with on some level. She does an excellent job of reading (some authors don't do as well as you would want), maybe since she's also an actress. She definitely gave excitement to the reading. Her voice is a little high-pitched, but again, I like Mindy so I enjoyed listening. The male readers were AWESOME and believable.

I gave 3 for story because she is quite superficial and materialistic, so you'll find those themes running through the entire thing. It's funny, especially if you're being light-hearted about it, but it's not the kind of story that keeps you thinking and expands you as a person. The story itself is pretty forgettable, but it was very fun and enjoyable while it lasted. I'm assuming that was her goal.

As a HUGE fan of The Office, I was super excited to read this book. I already had the eBook when I saw that Mindy Kaling had actually narrated the audiobook version herself. (so cool! Lol) Anyway, it was exactly what I had expected it to be. Super funny and honest-feeling. It was also smart with some awesome references!

The reading was a little robotic-- I listened to Amy poehler's Yes Please and I loved the way she talked like she was telling the story instead of just reading pages. I wanted some inflection and some different vocals and intonation.

I was hoping for something light and funny to give myself a break from the heavy stuff I've been lost in recently - this clever half-bio / half-monologue did the job nicely. I will say that it was a bit more bubblegum than I normally prefer, but I realize that I'm probably 15 years older than the high-end of her intended demographic, so I tried to keep that in mind when I found myself rolling my eyes too much. The narration was fine but I suggest listening to the sample first - her voice is child-like. For comedy writing, it's not bad - it has profanity, sarcasm, & amusing anecdotes - I would recommend it to young women in their late teens/early twenties without hesitation.

She seems extremely educated and she is very funny. She also does a great job narrating her own book as her voice is semi-annoying but in a humorous, cute way. I really enjoyed listening to this title. Love her take on movies, music and creating lists.

Yes, if you are a fan of Mindy's and enjoy her snappy narration, this is the book for you. Don't get be wrong - I liked it, but somehow, I just thought it would be a little better

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

A little surprising, but good!

Which scene was your favorite?

I liked how she raved about Chappelle's Show. I never had seen it and as a result of her recommendation, have begun watching it in reruns and it is excellent. I also liked her advice to teens about high school/popularity, etc.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

No, I don;t think this book could be made into a movie (as it is a series of stories)

Any additional comments?

Mindy did a great job narrating the book and I feel as if I know (and like) her a little better

Of all the celebrity books that I’ve listened to, Mindy’s is by far the best. Mindy narrates the book herself which I think adds something because she puts the right tone to everything; you hear it the way she wanted you to hear it.

The story is decent, I gave it 3 stars because it wasn’t amazing, but she actually tells you real stories about herself, and she’s very smart. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who needs a good laugh. I think this book is easily one that you can listen to again and again.

I think I picked up this book just looking for the thoughts from that girl from the office, and I feel like I made a new best friend. She's funny. She's insightful. She's kinda like me - only not. Which made this book enjoyable.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)?

I couldn't help be laugh when she said the word "excrete" when she was talking about her friend's fantasy of having a passionate night with a sexy stranger without any undies on. I was thinking the exact thing at the exact moment she said it, only laughing! Good times.

Which scene was your favorite?

There were many favorite scenes. Perhaps may favorites were when she described the different periods of self-growth in her life with different groups of friends. Nothing spectacular about it, but maybe, that's what I identified with most.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I smiled a lot. Ms. Kaling is not as good as other comedians at reading her own writing, but somehow, that seemed appropriate. She still had a great comic appeal, and she seems sometimes to tell a joke while not telling a joke at all. Since I listened to this on my commute into work and sometimes while exercising, I sometimes felt a sense of relief and calmness throughout my body after listening to her which I appreciate. Some chapters I listened to multiple times!

Would you consider the audio edition of Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) to be better than the print version?

I love it when interesting, funny, & fabulous people write a great book . . . and then narrate it! Getting Mindy's narration and inflection in my head for 4 and a half hours was just that much better than reading the book.

What other book might you compare Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) to and why?

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? reminded me of Bossy Pants by Tina Fey. These are both funny memoirs by women I love to watch and read about.

Would you listen to Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) again? Why?

Yes, probably. It was entertaining, short and funny, and I really liked her essays about after she got caught up in the TV industry.

What about Mindy Kaling and Michael Schur ’s performance did you like?

I loved how energetic the narration is, meaning there was never a dull moment. She was engaging and had her comedic timing down pat.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Lots of laughing - I particularly enjoyed the bits that spoke about her rivalry with Mindy Kaling (something he also writes about in his autobiography).

Any additional comments?

A must read for fans of the Office and of Mindy Kaling.

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Andrea

Bendinat Mallorca, Spain

8/2/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"I love this book"

This is one of my favorite books, it's a go to book for a good mood, mindy kaling is amazing. Get the book!!

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Rebecca

LEEDS, United Kingdom

1/15/14

Overall

Performance

Story

"Wonderful easy listen- like listening to a friend"

What did you like best about this story?

Hearing about Mindy's childhood and her early career.

Have you listened to any of Mindy Kaling and Michael Schur ’s other performances? How does this one compare?

I haven't listened to any of her other performances, but I have to say that I love her voice. It's very friendly, happy and so distinctive that I can still hear her narration, even after finishing the book.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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